Cops: Senior citizen, nephew 'old-time cat burglars'

April 27, 2009

A 75-year-old man and his 50-year-old nephew have been charged with residential burglary, accused of dressing in camouflage clothing, strapping on night-vision goggles and sneaking into several North Shore homes at night while residents were asleep to take cash, jewelry and silverware, Highland Park police said today.

William Jackson of Highland Park and his nephew Kenneth Jackson of Evergreen Park were each charged in Lake County with three counts of burglary, six counts of possession of burglary tools and one count of possession of stolen property. The burglary counts were filed in connection with incidents at three Highland Park homes, police said.

The Jacksons were arrested early Saturday while they were under surveillance by officers from several North Shore communities, the statement said. Investigators believe the pair are responsible for up to 19 burglaries in the last 22 months.

Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the Cook County State's Attorney's office, said no charges had been filed in Cook County against the men but that the burglaries were part of a continuing investigation.

As they executed search warrants on each man's vehicle, William Jackson's home and a residence in Evergreen Park, police discovered hundreds of pieces of silver flatware and platters, plus jewelry and watches, according to the statement. They also found pawn shop receipts and recovered pieces believed to have been taken last week from a home in Northfield.

Police said the men would park their vehicle in an inconspicuous place, then sneak into homes in full camouflage regalia and night vision equipment and carry out items in a backpack.

Officers from Northbrook, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glenview, Northfield and Glencoe took part in the investigation, the release stated.